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Simulation of maximum power in the wearable thermoelectric generator with a small thermopile

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Abstract

Miniature thermopiles that could be fabricated by using modern thin- and thick-film technologies are discussed as a power supply to wearable devices. The maximum power that can be produced by a thermopile of a medium-to-small size was simulated in case of typical thermal properties of humans and their living environment. The local thermal resistances of human being required for the simulation were obtained experimentally. The designs of wearable thermoelectric generators are discussed. The general design optimization of wearable thermoelectric energy harvester with a miniature thermopile was performed in case of near-maximum power generated per unit volume of thermoelectric generator. The obtained performance characteristics allow prediction of the application area for wearable energy harvesters of human body heat and the perspectives of their market success.

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  1. Imec, Kapeldreef 75, 3001, Leuven, Belgium

    Vladimir Leonov

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  1. Vladimir Leonov
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Correspondence to Vladimir Leonov.

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Leonov, V. Simulation of maximum power in the wearable thermoelectric generator with a small thermopile. Microsyst Technol 17, 495–504 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00542-011-1262-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00542-011-1262-6

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